HSMP:

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is a great new way to immigrate to the UK. HSMP is a relatively new concept introduced in the summer of 2003. It is in a way similar to the immigration system of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

With HSMP you are initially granted a work permit for 1 calendar year. HSMP differs from the work permit scheme as it does not require an employer to obtain a permit for the individual, which means that you are entitled to work for any company or organisation.

At the end of the first year, the Home Office (Immigration and Naturalisation Department) will extend it for a further 3 years. After the 4th year, one is entitled to claim permanent residency.

During the last 2 years, the main beneficiary of this scheme has been IT Professionals, though skilled workers from other industry are eligible to apply, as long as the pre-requisite 65 points is achieved.

Much of the information that I provide here and the main thrust of this article is targeted on the IT industry and IT Professionals. My intention is to give a brief idea of HSMP and should you decide to apply, you should thoroughly consult relevant websites mentioned towards the end of the article and also write to me should you also require further clarification or help.

I am not a high skilled migrant but I am quite familiar with HSMP because of the large number of my friends who have successfully applied and got a job in the UK.

Why HSMP?

Unlike other major European economies, the service based economy of the UK is booming and thriving. The IT industry needs lots of new workers to meet their increasing demands. Because of the strict employments rules, UK based employers find it extremely hard to recruit workers from outside the European Union.

For people outside the EU, in order to work here in the UK, you need a type of visa called a Work Permit. Your potential employer has to apply your work permit to the Home Office.

This process is complex, cumbersome and involves lots of paper work, because of which your employer will not be willing to employ you in the first place. If you are a permanent resident or a High Skilled Migrant, you do not need a work permit to work for any employer in the country.

Once you have you HSMP you can look for any jobs in any sector and your window of opportunity is big. A high skilled migrant takes 4-6 weeks on an average to find a job after arriving in the UK and with the average earning approximately £40,000 per annum ($70,000 USD).

What you need?

HSMP is a point based immigration programme. You will need to obtain a minimum of 65 points. HSMP gives points for Education, Experience, Earnings, Significant Achievement and Partner/Spouse's skills. The scoring points taken into account are:

1) Your age:
If you are 28 years or under you get 5 extra points. You also have to earn less if you are below 28. Note that your age is the age on the day on which you submit your application and NOT when you application is processed. You need your passport for your proof of age.

2) Educational Qualification:
The minimum qualification is a bachelor's degree for which you get 15 points. If you are a master's degree holder you get 25 point and 30 points for a Doctoral degree holder. Your original degree certificate is required for this.

3) Work Experience: The point's allocation for work experience differs if you are less than 28 years or above. If you are less than 28 years and have 4 years work experience in a graduate level job then you earn 35 points. You need a letter of reference from your employer. This letter should state, among other things, your current position in the company, how long you have worked with the company, your current salary and your skill set. A sample letter of reference is available on request from me.

4) Your last tax year's earnings:
Your earnings should be based on your last year's tax return and NOT on your current earnings. The HSMP team will not accept your most recent appraisal letter from your employer. They will only consider your income based on your last year's tax return.

5) Partner's qualification and achievement(if you are married)

6) Achievement in your chosen field.

Check if you are eligible by clicking on
HSMP Calculator

Life in the UK:

UK is a very multicultural and tolerant country, with the number of people from South Asia comprising nearly 5% of the population. It's a fascinating place to live and work, especially if you like Football and do not mind cold and wet winters.

UK's economy is growing faster and has got the lowest unemployment rate among the major economies of Europe. Free Healthcare, Education, a strong benefit system and the English language makes UK a favoured destination of many immigrants from all over the world.

London has got one of the largest concentrations of financial and business services sector companies in the world. It is also one of the most multi-ethnic cities in the world with nearly 40% of the people from ethnic minorities.

The UK also has the single largest Manipuri community in Europe. Though most new immigrants, including myself, tend to stay in and around London and the South East, wherever you are in the country, you are sure to find a Manipuri family not far away from you.

The social and cultural life for the Manipuris is lively with Cheiraoba and Ningol Chakouba celebrated every year and frequent meetings and get together organised from time to time.

FAQ:

1) What are the documents that I need?

The application form will tell you what are the documents that you need to provide with your application. You need to put as many documents as you can to support your claim for HSMP.

• Fully filled HSMP application form
• Your degree certificate
• Letter of employment/reference letter stating the time that you were employed with them and your skill set (make this document very attractive and appealing)
• Last year's tax returns document
• A Pound Stirling draft of £315. Payment in other currency or cheques usually delays your application.